New deal with RL Commercial means Sky Sports viewers will be able to watch every Betfred Rugby Super League match live for the first time.
- The three year agreement sees Sky Sports broadcast all six matches in each round live
- The deal also includes Magic Weekend fixtures, playoffs and all three Grand Finals
- Video referees will now feature in all games.
The new three-year deal begins next season, which will extend Sky’s partnership with the sport to over 30 years.
For the first time ever, every Betfred Super League match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a total of around 170 games each year on the broadcasters.
Sky Sports will broadcast all six matches in each Super League round live. The deal also includes live coverage of the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair Grand Finals. Sky Sports will also screen Magic Weekend fixtures and Playoffs.
News that Sky had secured ongoing Rugby League coverage to support its sports portfolio came hours after it was confirmed the broadcaster had lost NBA coverage to TNT Sports.
Within the broadcaster’s investment in Super League rugby, video referees will now feature in all games.
Additionally, RL Commercial will be able to seek the continuation of free-to-air broadcast opportunities. It will also be able to launch a dedicated Super League-owned streaming platform. It’s promised further details on that later this autumn.
As part of the Reimagining Rugby League project developed through the strategic partnership with IMG, membership of the men’s Super League will be determined by a new grading system from 2025.
Corporate comment
Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, said:
“Super League’s partnership with Sky Sports has been constantly evolving since the competition was launched in 1996, and we are excited to have confirmed this significant extension which will lift that partnership, and the Super League itself, to a new level. To have all six fixtures in every round of the men’s Super League televised will offer major new opportunities for RL Commercial and our clubs, as well as allowing supporters to watch many more matches – and also making it possible for us to have video referees at all matches, a truly significant development for the Super League competition. The timing is perfect for a deal of this kind after such an exciting and competitive season underlining the genuine depth of the competition, and with Rugby League embarking on an exciting new era through our strategic partnership with IMG. Sky Sports also share our optimism about the potential for growth of the Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues in the next three years, so they also form an important part of the new deal.”
And Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director, added:
“We are extremely proud of our long-standing relationship with Super League and delighted to be extending our partnership beyond three decades through this agreement. It’s been an exceptional season and we are excited that from next season every try, tackle and pass from every fixture will be shown live across Sky platforms – a first for the sport. Alongside our commitment to the women’s and wheelchair game, we are delighted that fans will be able to enjoy the most comprehensive offering in the history of the sport.”
Marc Thornham